Betty Bland or Mrs. John McNab look similar to me.

Thanks Sheila, but looking at photos on HMF, neither of those seems to have the glandular calyx and pedicel.

I appreciate your expertise Dr. Manners.

I'm in England and your rose reminds me very much of one I used to grow here called 'Marinette' a 1995 David Austin release... Orkney is part of the UK and as far as I'm aware David Austin still deliver to it, or used to do so..

I no longer have photos of this rose and can't remember too much detail, but from close ups on HMF, it seems to have few pointed thorns, long pointed buds, and similar foliage / receptacles. See what you think..

I can't be sure about the glandular pedicel. I wasn't paying attention in those days and it's not clear from these pics.

hmf

hmf

Thanks Malorena, There are similarities there, but again, HMF photos do not show the glandular calyx and sepals, so I have to think we don't have a match.

oh ok, I couldn't tell from the photos. It's not one I know in the UK otherwise, I wonder if it's something local to Orkney, it's a bit isolated up there, and maybe somebody spread it around..

Update: It has been suggested that it may be the old Alba rose 'Celestial'. Do any of you grow that rose, and can you confirm? Thanks again! Malcolm

This is 'Celestial' in the UK..

..there are also better photos on Austin UK site, here..

DA UK

My Celestial does not have as much red in the stems, and has matte foliage. Also, I am missing the blue grey foliage, though that could be the photo. Some aspects make me think of an American species hybrid like R. virginiana plena.

Did you see it only in gardens/ in cultivation, or was it growing wild/ feral somewhere?

If it was growing wild/ or as a garden escapee somewhere, this Facebook group may be able to help with an ID. They seem to be very knowledgeable about all their local botany. Perhaps it would be worth asking them?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/292593223693/

comtessedelacouche -- always cultivated, obviously placed by humans. thanks.